But like most National Hockey League players, the Edmonton Oilers defenceman is hoping he won’t have to return to Europe in the coming weeks.

Smid is back in Edmonton having spent the first part of the season with Bili Tygri Liberec of the Czech Tipsport Extraliga.

“It was good, I got lots of ice time, I was playing in all situations, including on the power play, which was kind of unusual for me,” said Smid. “But I enjoyed it. The hockey is so much different, especially defensively.

“The systems are different, the rink is bigger. But it was a cool experience for me.”

Smid, 26, suited up in 22 games for his hometown club. He left as the team’s second-leading scoring defenceman with two goals and 12 assists.

“It was a bit different role that I was playing there as opposed to the one I play with the Oilers,” said Smid. “I was on the top power play and penalty killing units. My ice time was around 27 to 30 minutes and sometimes even over 30 minutes. I was a lot of ice time for me.

“But I know my role is totally different with the Oilers. I’m a defensive defenceman. This was totally different and I really appreciate the ice time they gave me in the Czech Republic.”

Smid had not played at home for Bili Tygri Liberec since the 2004-2005 season.

The former first-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks who was acquired by the Oilers in the Chris Pronger trade, began his professional hockey career with the European club.

He has since gone on to play six seasons with the Oilers.

“It was good to see my family and my friends, I enjoyed playing in my hometown,” Smid said. “I always figured I would head back there after my NHL career and maybe finish my career there.

“But this was kind of unexpected. I really enjoyed it though, it was great. The team really didn’t do that well, but it was a great experience.”

Bili Tygri Liberec is currently near the bottom of the 14-team Extraliga standings. Their top goal scorer is former Oilers forward and NHL veteran Petr Nedved, who’s averaging a point per game.

“He was the best player on our team,” said Smid. “He’s still got it. He’s not any faster than he was when he was younger, but he’s really still a complete player, especially offensively. He’s really good, he has all the tools.”

During his time in the Czech Republic, Smid also went up against Oilers teammate Ales Hemsky, who had a great stint with his hometown club CSOB Pojistovna Pardubice.

Hemsky led his team in scoring with 14 goals and 32 points in 27 games before leaving the club prior to Christmas.

“I played one game against him,” said Smid. “He’s playing with David Krejci and they were carrying the team offensively. I don’t know how their team is doing right now, but when I was there, those two guys were amazing together. They really enjoyed each others company on the ice, it was fun to watch them.”

Smid has been back in Edmonton for a few weeks now, having left the Czech Republic after straining his knee in mid-December.

“I had a contract there until the end of December,” Smid said. “This happen the first or second week in December. I know the doctors here so came back and I went to the doctors I know. I had an MRI on it and did some rehab at the U of A, because I couldn’t go to Rexall or see any of our trainers.

“It’s good now, I’m skating and I’m working out, so I don’t have any problems. I’m just trying to stay in shape and trying to get ready if camp starts.”

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Oilers abroad

Nail Yakupov

Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, KHL, Russia

Has 10 goals and eight assists in 22 games so far this season. Is currently at the World Junior Championships as captain of Russia.

Ladislav Smid

Bili Tygri Liberec, Czech Republic Extraliga

Two goals and 12 assists in 22 games this season. Led the team in defensive scoring before returning to Edmonton.

Ales Hemsky

CSOB Pojistovna Pardubice, Czech Republic Extraliga

Lead the team in scoring with 14 goals and 18 assists in 27 games before leaving the club.

Lennart Petrell

HIFK Helsinki, Finnish Elite League

Ten goals and no assists in 25 games this season.

Sam Gagner

Klagenfurter AC, Erste Bank Ice Hockey League, Austria

Scored 10 goals and added eight assists in 19 games.

Oilers in Oklahoma City

Jordan Eberle

Leads the league in scoring with 24 goals and 25 assists for 49 points in 32 games. Was named AHL player of the month for December.

Oilers' Smid back in Edmonton after Czech stint

But like most National Hockey League players, the Edmonton Oilers defenceman is hoping he won’t have to return to Europe in the coming weeks.

Smid is back in Edmonton having spent the first part of the season with Bili Tygri Liberec of the Czech Tipsport Extraliga.

“It was good, I got lots of ice time, I was playing in all situations, including on the power play, which was kind of unusual for me,” said Smid. “But I enjoyed it. The hockey is so much different, especially defensively.

“The systems are different, the rink is bigger. But it was a cool experience for me.”

Smid, 26, suited up in 22 games for his hometown club. He left as the team’s second-leading scoring defenceman with two goals and 12 assists.